Facebook Outlines Content Taboos

April 25, 2018 at 10:18 AM (PT)

FACEBOOK has compiled a 27-page book of content guidelines that specifies what can't be posted on the platform, CNN reports. The company's 7,500 content moderators will decide on what content is acceptable and what should be taken down. Besides obvious bans like copyright and trademark infringement, credible threats of violence, and sexual exploitation, it also delves into "gray area" posts.

Case-in point: You're not allowed to post hate speech -- unless you're raising awareness about it. The onus is on users to make their intentions clear when sharing content.

* Most, but not all, female nipples are banned. "For example, while we restrict some images of female breasts that include the nipple, we allow other images, including those depicting acts of protest, women actively engaged in breast-feeding, and photos of post-mastectomy scarring." You cannot share content that shows "squeezing naked female breast except in breastfeeding context."

* Claiming that a victim of a tragedy is actually a liar, or being paid to lie is considered a form of harassment.

* Confessions of crimes, ranging from theft to sexual assault. "We do, however, allow people to debate or advocate for the legality of criminal activities, as well as address them in a rhetorical or satirical way."

* Seeking to buy, or sell, marijuana and other drugs.

* Certain companies to sell firearms or firearm parts -- but it restricts visibility to adults 21 or over.

* Being insensitive; targeting someone's vulnerabilities in posts that depict real people and "mocks their implied or actual serious physical injuries, disease, or disability, non-consensual sexual touching, or premature death."

* No nude butts, unless photoshopped on a public figure."

* Calls for violence due to the outcome of election -- "any content containing statements of intent, calls for action, or advocating for violence due to the outcome of an election" is not permitted.